Puck Junk Hockey Podcast

Sal Barry and Tim Parish give their recap of the recent Chicago Sports Spectacular, with Tim sharing his perspective as a buyer while Sal shares his observations as a seller. Topics include what hockey cards were popular, which former NHL players were signing autographs, the staggering prices of wax, and if card shows as we know them are coming to an end. Plus, a look at the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Paralympic Games. It's 116 minutes of hockey goodness - with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite parts. The YouTube version of the podcast features photos and video. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/03/18/podcast-243/

In this episode, Sal Barry and Tim Parish reflect on the 1985-86 Topps and O-Pee-Chee Hockey card sets, which were released 40 years ago. They discuss the best rookie cards, the worst airbrushed cards, and other interesting facts about those iconic sets. Plus, a look at the new Youngblood movie coming out this week, the Chicago Sports Spectacular, and an easy way to buy sports cards. It's 132 minutes of hockey goodness – with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/03/05/podcast-242/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente recap the 2026 Winter Olympic Hockey Tournament - where both the U.S. Men's team and the U.S. Women's team beat Canada to win the gold medal. Other topics include more Topps Now Olympic hockey cards and a look at the Young Guns checklist for 2025-26 Upper Deck Series 2. It's two hours of hockey goodness - with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part. The YouTube version of the podcast features photos and video. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/02/24/podcast-241/

In this episode, Sal and Clemente talk about the men's and women's ice hockey tournaments thus far at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Plus, Topps Now issues a hockey card, Topps Chrome Olympic Hopefuls sets features numerous hockey players, and PSA raises its prices - again! It's 102 minutes of hockey goodness - with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part.Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/02/18/podcast-240/

This week, Sal and Tim take a long look at the new 2025-26 Allure Hockey Card set. Plus, they talk about Artemi Panarin getting traded to the L.A. Kings, and why Macklin Celebrini signed some cards as "Chester." It's 115 minutes of hockey goodness - with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part.Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/02/11/podcast-239/

Sal and Tim have a long discussion about the upcoming 2026 Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Tournament, which will be the first Olympics since 2014 to feature the NHL's top players. The guys talk about the rosters for all 12 teams, the groups, and some of their favorite memories from past Olympic hockey tournaments. It's 113 minutes of hockey goodness, now with chapters so you can skip to your favorite part. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/02/04/podcast-238/

In the first episode of 2026, Sal and Tim talk about the 2025-26 MVP Hockey Card set, which was recently released on Upper Deck e-Pack. The guys also talk about the passing of Hockey Hall of Fame members Glenn Hall and Bob Pulford, and Patrick Kane scoring his 500th goal. The YouTube version of the podcast features photos and video. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2026/01/13/podcast-237/

In the last episode for 2025, the guys take a long look back at the 1995 hockey/action film “Sudden Death.” The movie came out 30 years ago this month and is about Jean-Claude Van Damme trying to stop terrorists from blowing up Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. “Sudden Death” featured a few ex-Penguins players and even team mascot Iceburgh got in on the action. Other topics in this episode are the new 2025-26 Upper Deck Series One Holiday Edition cards and the FTC investigating the sale of Beckett to PSA. The YouTube version of the podcast features photos and video. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/12/23/podcast-236/

In this episode, the guys talk about PSA Grading buying Beckett, and how this gives its parent company, Collectors, a monopoly on card grading. Other topics include Quinn Hughes getting graded to Minnesota, should the NHL have more color vs. color jersey games, and trouble with Italy's Olympic ice hockey rink. It's 127 minutes of hockey goodness, now with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/12/18/podcast-235/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente do six short "setrospectives" about oddball hockey sets from the 1980s. One of these sets came packaged with food, while another set was literally packaging. And one of these sets was even sold in Spain. It's 114 minutes of hockey goodness, now with chapters so you can skip to your favorite part. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/12/10/podcast-234/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente give their review of the 2025-26 Upper Deck Series One hockey card set - what's great about it, what could be better, and which Young Guns are worth looking out for. Plus, a deep dive into the recent shill bidding controversies that have been the talk of the card collecting hobby. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/12/03/podcast-233/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente discuss the recent hubbub about Check Out My Cards, which appears to be in financial trouble. Will the company fold or be sold - or is COMC really doing just fine? The guys also look at the new trading card pricing feature on the eBay mobile app, and why card pricing apps should be scared. Plus, a recap of the recent Chicago Sports Spectacular and more. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/11/26/podcast-232/

Sal, Tim and Clemente look back at the 2015-16 Upper Deck Hockey set that was released a decade ago - and how both Connor McDavid's Young Guns card and the start of the e-Pack platform changed hockey collecting forever. Plus, game-worn jersey collector Sean Sullivan gives his recap of the recent Toronto Sport Card Expo and last weekend's Chicago Game Worn Jersey Expo. The YouTube version of the podcast features photos and video. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/11/19/podcast-231/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente give their review of the 2024-25 PWHL hockey card set. Plus, a discussion about the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees, the recent statement by the President of Upper Deck, and Alex Ovechkin reaching 900 goals. It's 120 minutes of hockey goodness - with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite parts.Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/11/12/podcast-230/

Sal Barry and Clemente Lisi take a long look back at the 1975-76 Topps and O-Pee-Chee Hockey card sets, which were released 50 years ago. They discuss the best cards, top rookies - there's not many! - and worst "paint jobs" the sets have. Plus, a look ahead at two major card conventions and an upcoming game-worn hockey jersey expo. It's 95 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/11/05/podcast-229/

Sal Barry and Clemente Lisi look at the new 2025-26 Artifacts Hockey Cards and discuss the pros and cons of this impossible-to-complete set. Plus, Topps starts making hockey cards again, the Chantilly Show might need a new home, and our big questions for the 2025-26 NHL season. It's 133 minutes of hockey goodness.Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/10/08/podcast-228/

Sal Barry and Tim Parish have a long talk about the 1980-81 Topps and O-Pee-Chee hockey card sets, discussing the best rookies, notable cards, and other interesting tidbits you didn't know that you needed to know! And why does Sal still hate the 1980-81 Topps set so much? Plus, a look at the lives and careers of Bernie Parent, Ed Giacomin, and Bob Goodenow. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/09/24/podcast-227/

A discussion on the life and career of all-time goaltending great Ken Dryden, who sadly passed away on September 5. Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk about Dryden's many accomplishments on and off the ice, as well as some of his most-memorable hockey cards. Plus, a review of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Ice hockey card set, and Clemente's recap of the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase. It's 108 minutes of hockey goodness. The YouTube version of this podcast features pictures of the cards and photos from the Rookie Showcase. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/09/10/podcast-226/

Sal Barry and Tim Parish take a fond look back at the 1988-89 Topps and O-Pee-Chee Hockey card sets, known for its use of bright colors, drop shadows, and pushpins. They discuss why you should have both of these iconic sets - as well as a few related cards - in your collection. Other topics include a Georges Vezina rookie card topping $100K, the Red Wings retiring Sergei Fedorov's number, and ECHL expansion. It's 121 minutes of hockey goodness. The YouTube version of this podcast features pictures of the cards we talk about during the episode. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/08/26/podcast-225/

Sal Barry and Tim Parish talk all about the new 2024-25 Parkhurst Champions Hockey Card set. Yes, the design looks great - but is it a set worth building? And what's the deal with the "Retro Pack?" Plus, discussions about Team USA winning the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament, eBay's changes to its platform, and the NHL Network's "Quarter Century Team" - and who they snubbed. It's 107 minutes of hockey goodness, now with chapters so you can skip to your favorite part. The YouTube version of this episode features video and pictures, too. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/08/20/podcast-224/

Sal Barry and Tim Parish take a long look back at the 1991-92 Topps Stadium Club Hockey set. It was the first Stadium Club hockey set, as well as one of the first premium sets of hockey trading cards. The guys talk about some of the best and worst cards from that set, as well as related cards worth collecting. Its 111 minutes of hockey goodness. The YouTube version of the podcast features pictures of the cards we talk about during the episode. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/08/12/podcast-223/

Sal Barry, Tim Parish, and Clemente Lisi give their giant-sized recap of the biggest National Sports Collectors Convention in history. The show was over 600,000 square feet and had over 600 vendors. While there weren't many hockey autograph guests, there were still plenty of hockey cards. The guys also share some of the cool items they found at the National. It's 141 minutes of hobby goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/08/05/podcast-222/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk about the upcoming 2025 National Sports Collectors Convention, which is taking place in Chicago from July 30 to August 3. Topics include what to expect at this year's biggest-ever National Convention, plus the hockey autograph guests - or lack thereof - this year. Clap on! Clap off! It's 88 minutes of hockey goodness.Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/07/18/podcast-221/

In Episode #220, Sal and Tim discuss the 2025 NHL Draft, including some of the best players - and the best celebrity appearances - at the league's "decentralized" draft. They also talk about the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and their hockey cards. It's 82 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/07/03/podcast-220/

In this episode, the guys talk about the Florida Panthers repeating as Stanley Cup Champions - and why they can three-peat next year. Clemente gives his recap of the Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 sports convention. Plus, thoughts on some recent trades, and more. It's 101 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite part. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/06/27/podcast-219/

Sal Barry talks with Paul Zickler, the Director of Sports Brands at Upper Deck, about Upper Deck's new Rookie Patch Auto Authentication. The feature will deter the practice of "patch swapping" on high-end rookie cards starting with the 2023-24 The Cup. Zickler also talks about the success of PWHL trading cards and plans for the next release, future Four Nations Face-Off cards, Alex Ovechkin autographs in 2024-25 Extended Series, and a look at 2025-26 Upper Deck Series One. It's 37 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters so you can skip to your favorite parts. Show Notes, Images and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/05/30/pocast-218/

Sal Barry talks with former NHL goaltender Stephane Fiset, who played 390 games across 13 seasons. We talked about Fiset breaking into the league with the last-place Quebec Nordiques, to winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996, what it's like to play with Guy Lafleur, and even some of his favorite wrestlers. It's 11 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/05/23/podcast-217/

In this episode, the guys have a long talk about the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series Two Hockey card set, including the top rookies and some of the best - and worst - insert sets. Other topics include Alex Ovechkin collectibles that have come out since he became the all-time leading goal scorer, as well as the autographed Ovie Young Guns that will be in extended series. It's 79 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters so you can skip to your favorite parts. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/05/10/podcast-216/

In Episode #215 of the Puck Junk Podcast, the guys talk about the new 2024-25 O-Pee-Chee Hockey card set. Plus: National Hockey Card Day 2025, 2024-25 Emanate Under Wraps Hockey, and John Tortorella gets fired again. It's 92 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters so you can skip to your favorite parts. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/04/04/podcast-215/

How will tariffs in the U.S.-Canada Trade War affect the prices of hockey cards at retail stores or online sales? That's the big topic in this week's episode of the Puck Junk Podcast. Other topics include a Wayne Gretzky game-used stick used to break a record that is up for auction, the PWHL players getting overwhelmed by autograph requests, and the recent Chicago Sports Spectacular. Plus, listeners' comments. It's 90 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, so you can skip to your favorite parts. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/03/22/podcast-214/

In this episode, the guys give their review of the 2024-25 Synergy Hockey set - which could be the last-ever Synergy set. Other topics include Sidney Crosby's recent milestones, the passing of longtime Penguins announcer Mike Lange, Seth Jones' trade to Florida, the recent Stadium Series, Shoresy Season 4, and the upcoming Chicago Sports Spectacular. Plus, would a 24-hour long card show be possible? It's 90 minutes of hockey goodness – now with chapters, so you can skip ahead to your favorite parts. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/03/08/podcast-213/

Sal and Clemente give their review of the 2024 PWHL First Edition Hockey Card set - which is arguably the biggest hobby surprise of 2025. They also talk about 4 Nations Face-Off hockey cards, the upcoming Spring Sport Card Expo in Toronto, and Sal keeping his New Year's Resolution. It's 68 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, so you can skip ahead to your favorite parts. (00:00) - Intro / 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament (09:20) - Sal's Progress on His New Year's Resolution (17:07) - 4 Nations Face-Off Hockey Cards (20:14) - New Releases / Build or Buy a Set? (26:12) - Spring Toronto Expo (32:10) - 2024 PWHL First Edition Hockey Cards Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/02/22/podcast-212/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente look back at the 1974-75 Topps and O-Pee-Chee Hockey card sets, which turn 50 years old this season. Five decades later, those two sets still stand out as some of the best cards from the 1970s, with their hockey-centric designs and impressive rookie class. The guys also talk about the popularity of PWHL cards, the 4 Nations Face-Off Uniforms, the return of "Goldberg" from The Mighty Ducks movies, and more. It's 95 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, so you can skip ahead to your favorite parts. (00:00) - Intro (05:45) - PWHL Cards are Hot (15:03) - NHL Hockeyverse (21:56) - 4 Nations Face-Off Jerseys (30:27) - US Post Office Worker Steals Cards (38:17) - Chicago Sports Spectacular / Goldberg from Mighty Ducks (45:53) - 1974-75 Topps & O-Pee-Chee Hockey Retrospective Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/02/08/podcast-211/

In this episode of the Puck Junk Podcast, Sal and Tim look at some of the new hockey cards for early 2025, including the PWHL set, 2023-24 Parkhurst, and 2024-25 Topps Hockey Stickers. Plus, the Utah Hockey Club's naming woes continue, the big Colorado-Carolina trade, and more. It's 88 minutes of hockey goodness – now with chapters, so you can skip ahead to your favorite topics.(00:00) - Intro (03:40) - Rantanen-Necas Trade (14:09) - Utah Not the Yetis (22:03) - Nikita Kucherov Scores 600th Assist (27:44) - 2023-24 PWHL Hockey Cards (35:50) - 2024-25 Upper Deck Engrained Icons Hockey Cards (42:03) - 2023-24 Parkhurst Hockey Cards (53:56) - Taylor Heise & Ultimate MVP Winner (59:28) - 2024-25 Topps Hockey Stickers & Possible Topps Hockey Cards Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/01/31/podcast-210/ ‎

In this episode, the guys talk about the 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns checklist that was recently leaked on Reddit. What are the best prospects - and the notable omissions - in Series 2? Plus, the delay of EX-2000, the potential for 4 Nations Face-Off cards, the top hockey card of 2024, and more. It's 90 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, so you can skip ahead to your favorite topics. (00:00) - Intro / Collecting Resolutions (10:10) - White Plains Show (20:37) - The Delay of EX-2000 (36:19) - Beckett Names Bedard YG as #3 Card of 2024 (01:01:27) - 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 2 Checklist (01:17:26) - Four Nations Face Off and Potential Cards Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/01/18/podcast-209/

In the first Puck Junk Podcast for 2025, the guys talk about the $1 million dollar bounty that was offered for the Connor Bedard Young Guns Gold Outburst parallel - and then quietly revoked when no one was looking. Plus, the Winter Classic, World Junior Championships, Shoresy Season 4, the upcoming PWHL cards, and more. It's 99 minutes of hockey goodness - now with chapters, too! (00:00) - 2025 World Junior Championships (14:44) - 2025 Winter Classic (29:32) - Jonathan Toews Comeback? (37:11) - Shoresy Season 4 (54:19) - National Hockey Card Day 2025 (01:02:53) - PWHL Hockey Cards (01:18:35) - The Bogus Bedard Bounty Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2025/01/11/podcast-208/

In the last Puck Junk Podcast of 2024, the guys talk about the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey case that was sold - AGAIN! - at Heritage Auctions, and why the case was sold a second time. Plus, the return of Fanatics Fest NYC, new Upper Deck exclusive autograph athletes, and more. It's 99 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/12/20/podcast-207/

After a three-week hiatus, the Puck Junk Podcast is back. This week, the guys talk about the 2023-24 Skybox Metal Universe Hockey set. Plus, a recap of the recent Chicago Sports Spectacular, how the Canadian Postal strike will affect buying and trading hockey cards, and more. It's 109 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/12/07/podcast-206/ ‎

Sal and Clemente talk about going to last weekend's Fall 2024 Sport Card Expo in Toronto - including what they saw, what they bought, what autographs they got, and how card prices were all over the place. Plus, a look at the upcoming Chicago Sports Spectacular, and Fanatics' venture into the card supplies market. It's 105 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/11/15/podcast-205/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk about the new 2024-25 Upper Deck Series One Hockey set, which has a lackluster design and way too many inserts, but also has a promising group of Young Guns. They discuss this weekend's Fall Sport Card Expo in Toronto as well as the big announcement about the 2025 National Sports Collectors Convention. It's 86 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/11/05/podcast-204/

n this episode of the Puck Junk Podcast, the guys talk about the 2023-24 O-Pee-Chee Platinum Hockey set. At almost $300 per box, it's a high-risk set - but is it worth the potential reward? Plus, a quick look at the new 2024-25 Upper Deck Series One hockey set, Sal talks about going to the Dallas Card Show Chicago Edition, and more. It's 91 minutes of hockey goodness! Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/10/19/podcast-203/

In Episode #202 of the Puck Junk Podcast, Sal and Clemente ask their biggest questions for the 2024-25 NHL Season. Plus, will Jeremy Swayman redefine the goalie market now that he signed a new contract, how will Connor Bedard's deal with Fanatics affect Upper Deck, and more. It's 67 minutes of hockey goodness! Show Notes and Links https://puckjunk.com/2024/10/11/podcast-202

Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk about the 2023-24 Credentials Hockey card set, which boasts a 1990s aesthetic and has some great inserts. But will collectors love - or overlook - this late-season release? Plus, the guys talk about their favorite Young Guns rookie cards of all-time, the new Fanatics' NHL jerseys, and more. It's 95 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/09/28/podcast-201/ ‎

In the 200th Episode of the Puck Junk Podcast, the guys talk all about the new 2024-25 MVP hockey card set. Is it a set worth collecting? Plus, a look at the 2022-23 The Cup hockey set, Sidney Crosby re-signing with the Penguins, a potential leak of the Utah Hockey Club's new name, and Sal's latest collecting obsession. It's 99 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/09/20/podcast-2000/

In this episode, Clemente Lisi talks with Sal Barry about his coverage at the 2024 NHLPA Rookie Showcase, an annual event where Upper Deck photographs the NHL's newest rookies and gets them to sign autographs for upcoming products. The guys also give their take on the new PWHL logos for its "Inaugural Six" teams, an upcoming book by former NHL coach Mike Keenan, and the cancellation of Fanatics Fest Pittsburgh. It's 66 minutes of hockey goodness. Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/09/14/podcast-199/

This week, Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk about the 2023-24 Allure Hockey Card set, which looks great has a ton of inserts and oh so many parallels. The guys also discuss the Happy Gilmour jersey that sold for $40K, and even talk a bit of baseball history. No joke! It's 88 minutes of hobby goodness! Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/08/30/podcast-198/

In this episode, the guys talk about the first-ever Fanatics Fest, which was held in New York August 16-18. The show had its ups and downs and was a very different experience than traditional card conventions like the National. Plus, a long discussion about the 2023-24 Synergy Hockey card set. It's 99 minutes of hobby goodness! Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/08/23/podcast-197/

Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk all about the 2023-24 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey Card set, which has yet to catch on with collectors, despite all the good cards packed into it. Plus, a discussion about recent sport card-related crimes, and a look at the upcoming Fanatics Fest. It's 104 minutes of hobby goodness! Show Notes and Linkshttps://puckjunk.com/2024/08/16/podcast-196/ ‎